New Zealand warmed up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in style, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the tri-nation series final on Friday (February 14, 2025). Five days before the teams meet again to open the Champions Trophy,

New Zealand's cricket team put on a stellar show in the tri-series final against Pakistan. The Kiwis bowled the hosts out for 242 in 49.3 overs. William O'Rourke led the seam attack admirably while their finger-spinners kept Pakistan in check on a two-paced Karachi surface.

Kane Williamson trumped South African opener Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking debut ODI hundred and led New Zealand to the tri-nation series final with a six-wicket win on Monday.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final on Friday in a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of next week’s opening game of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan eliminated South Africa from the final with its epic run-chase of 355-4 at the same venue on Wednesday with captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha scoring centuries.

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam reached a major career milestone, scoring his 6,000th ODI run in the tri-series final. Babar achieved the feat in his 123rd inning (126th match), becoming the joint-fastest player alongside former South African opener Hashim Amla to reach the landmark.